New Year, New Malware. Here Are 5 Ways Cybersecurity Threats May Change in 2019.

The internet is not the fun, safe place that most people think it is. For every new social media post and funny comment, there might as well be a new virus or cyber attack.

The internet is wild and chaotic, where you need to know what you're doing in order to stay safe.

Cybersecurity threats can be found almost anywhere. Hackers can offload malicious code onto one server, only for it to spread to others. With these bits of malicious code, hackers can take control of individual machines to build botnets, or simply steal data.

Hackers almost always pursue information they can sell later - your information included. They do this in a variety of ways. Hackers may lie about who they are online to get you to divulge information, or just take total control of a system and hold it hostage.

The only way to stay safe online is to recognize threats before you fall for them. Keep reading below for five threats that you may see in 2019.

1. Don't Bite For Phishing Attempts

Phishing is a simple kind of attack where a hacker goes to extreme lengths to convince someone they're someone else. Commonly, hackers pretend to be from companies like Apple or Google so that people trust them with their information. They can build fake web pages or emails that look almost exactly like they're from Google or Apple.

Luckily, there are ways to spot when you may be the target of a phishing attempt. Sometimes the website won't be secured. The hacker may also not be able to prove they work for the company if you ask them to prove it.

2. Ransomware May Become More Random

Ransomware has become a popular tool for hackers to extort money out of people. With ransomware, you get locked out of your device unless you pay a hacker a certain amount of money.

Luckily, you can avoid losing your information to this just by backing it up to a cloud. If your info is backed up, then all you need to do is reset your device and reload all your information onto it.

3. Botnet Mining For Cryptocurrencies

After Bitcoin reached peak prices, it's been an alluring goldmine for hackers. Especially since hackers can mine for coins using other people's machines.

The code for this works in the background of your device's normal functioning. For most people, the only way to tell your machine may be a part of a botnet is if it suddenly becomes slower. Just by keeping your antivirus updated, you should be able to defend against becoming a part of a botnet.

4. Cybersecurity Threats May Get More Coverage

People are putting more information about themselves online, thinking that it's safe. And luckily, more journalists are telling stories about how wild the internet can get. They're teaching people that the internet isn't as safe as people think it is.

With controversies around privacy rising, expect more cybersecurity coverage this year. As a result, expect more education about cybersecurity too.

5. The Dawn Of The AI Wars

Artificial intelligence is no longer the stuff of science fiction. It's being used in healthcare, law, business, and even by hackers. Luckily, cybersecurity experts are using AI to defend people as well.

Online Security Is More Important Than Ever

Everyone and everything is online now. That means that people can socialize, work, and learn in ways that weren't possible just a decade ago. However, that also means that hackers can try and access vital systems and harvest sensitive information.

The more that's put online, the more cybersecurity threats will arise. To protect yourself from them, you need to stay informed. It also doesn't hurt to have someone you can trust looking after you.

Contact us, and we will make sure your IT system is secure so it can protect you, your employees, and your company.